Viva Hollywood is making quite an impression as the first Latin-themed show on music channel VH1. While some consider the show as racy with lots of bare-chested hunks and bikini-clad women, others deem the show as deliciously over-the-top. The show, which follows Latino hopefuls as they attempt to win a contract with the biggest telenovela production company in the United States, presently stands out because it reflects an increasingly culturally diverse American mainstream and manages to attract viewers who aren't Latin, as well as those who aren't really into soaps.
"We realize that every time we tap into an audience that hasn't seem themselves in mainstream television, we win," VH1 executive vice president of programming and development Jeff Olde said. "And there were 12 million viewers that didn't see themselves in the network. We were looking for something."
"We're obsessed with pop culture and very much in love with Latin culture and the intersection of the two," executive producer Randy Barbato added. "And we're very aware that while so much of Latin television is hugely popular in America, it isn't always translated into mainstream channels."
Viva Hollywood premiered on April 13 and as it entered its third week broadcast, the show has already earned a 21 percent jump in viewership. Seeing the show's consistent buildup, the network aims to begin a franchise that not only celebrates telenovelas and Latin stars, but most specifically Latin music.
Meanwhile, VH1 is already working on yet another reality series based on Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera's life.
"She's fabulous," Barbato said.
For more catfights and dramatic deaths, stay tuned to
Viva Hollywood every Sunday at 10pm on VH1. So far, there are still five remaining hopefuls in the running including 31-year-old
Berto Colon, 24-year-old
Geovannie Gomez, 25-year-old
Gisel Saumat, 21-year-old
Jenn Pinto and 23-year-old
Roseny Carrero.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: VH1
(Image courtesy of VH1)